Historic Landmarks in the Phoenix Area
photo credit: kevindooley
Besides the fact that Phoenix is considered one of the younger cities of the U.S., incorporated in 1881 and many of the true historic landmarks have long been torn down, the story of this city can still be told. Soon after landing at Phoenix’s Sky Harbor International Airport you will find yourself winding way through museums and those locations that still hold the memories of events long gone by. With our list of historical landmarks around Phoenix, and its surrounding towns of Glendale, Scottsdale and Tempe, you won’t have to dig so hard to learn how this area was built and how it has emerged as the fifth largest metropolis in the U.S.
The Wrigley Mansion, built in 1932 by the Wrigley chewing gum king, William Wrigley Jr. The cost of building the mansion was 1.2 million, a hefty price back then. Its official name, La Colina Solana (The Sunny Hill) was dubbed by Wrigley himself. With Mediterranean and Spanish influences, the mansion is an elegant 16,850 square feet. The structure has 24 rooms and 12 bathrooms. If you can imagine, it is the smallest of Wrigley’s homes. He must have made sold a lot of sticks of gum in his time. Today the Wrigley Mansion is open to the public at which you can request the location for a special occasion.
Historic Heritage Square is a square city block which is the only remaining original Phoenix town site. The structures, including houses, commercial buildings and carriage houses date back to the late 1800s. Visitors can enjoy the structures and their architecture as many have been transformed into museums, restaurants and shops. The most elaborate and largest home in Historic Heritage Square is the Rosson House, built in 1885. Join a tour to learn all of the historic information regarding these Victorian buildings.
St. Mary’s Basilica is the oldest and most beautiful Catholic church in Phoenix, built in 1881. Founded by Father Edouard Gerard, the Roman Catholic Basilica has Spanish architecture with twists of French and Southwestern influences. In 1987 Pope John Paul II visited the church. A daily mass is still practiced at St. Mary’s.
Hall of Fame Fire Museum displays 90 fully restored fire trucks dating back to 1725. There is a complete hands on exhibit area where you can actually put on old-time fire gear. Don’t miss the collection of fire helmets depicted as a timeline. The change in helmets through the years is very interesting. This is a budget friendly destination for the whole family with the $5 admission fee and free parking.
Mystery Castle was built in 1939 by Boyce Gulley. It may seem more like a local oddity than a historical landmark, but it’s so interesting it seemed as though it was a destination not to be missed while in Phoenix. The entire structure is made from odds and ends of salvage material, artifacts and just plain junk. Tours are still given from October to mid June, Thursday through Sunday.
Taliesin West, located northeast of Phoenix at the foothills of McDowell Mountains, is a tribute to the work of Frank Lloyd Wright. This 600 acre complex is the backdrop to Wright’s designed structures that blend seeming naturally with the nature that surrounds them. Taliesin (pronounced tal-ee-ess-in) means “a shining brow.” Taliesin West was contemplated after Taliesin I, II and III, built in Wisconsin, had burned in succession. It’s massive walls are built from the desert’s rock with redwood beams by his students. At the time it was meant to be only a winter camp, but grew into much more. Today this site is home to the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, Memorial Foundation and School of Architecture. Guided tours are offered.
Phoenix Museum of History is where you will find the preserved artifacts of the cities history. The museum will take you through the beginning of Phoenix as a dusty town in the desert to the Phoenix Metro of today. This central Phoenix area built it’s agricultural economy through a series of canals that were hand dug by the Hohokams. Follow the pre-statehood period of the pioneers as they built the area up. Enjoy an interactive exhibit and feel what it was to live during the time of Camp McDowell.
Grady Gammage Memorial Auditorium was the last commissioned structure designed by famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. It’s located on the Arizona State University campus and was named after the president of the university from 1933 to 1959. The auditorium opened in 1064 with a performance by the Philadelphia Orchestra. In 1985 the structure was entered into the list of the National Register of Historic Places. With a total seating capacity of 3017, it is not only wheelchair accessible but also offers a system for 30 hearing impaired visitors as well as hand signers. Interestingly, from a sky view the auditorium depicts a guitar.
Phoenix Police Museum follows the history of the men and women in blue and their great service and sacrifice for the city and it’s people. In 2006 the police department celebrated an important anniversary of 125 years. You’re going to love the recreations of a 1900′s police station. It will make you feel like a time traveler when you see the 1919 Model T police car.
Arizona State Capital originally housed the territorial and state legislators. However, it is now maintained as a historic museum as government officials have moved to surrounding buildings. It was first built to show that the territory was ready for statehood. Although the original plans for the structure was meant to be much larger, it was scaled down when funds ran out. But, it was ready for business in 1901 with additional wings added in 1918 and 1938. Today, the capital has been restored to its appearance of 1912 and is open to the public for viewing. A special display honors the men of the USS Arizona which was lost at Pearl Harbor during World War II.
Phoenix Area Landmarks
The fighting spirit and rich history of Phoenix may be young in the standards compared to other cities of the U.S., but there is much to see and do that will bring the full spectrum of the lives of the early pioneers to the people of today. This region has historic landmarks that will give you a feeling for the uniqueness of Phoenix. Click here for great rates on hotels in Phoenix.
Categories: Sightseeing
